An ICE agent arrested in Texas Minneapolis shooting case is now facing prosecution in Minnesota after authorities accused him of shooting and wounding a man during a federal immigration operation earlier this year. The arrest marks a significant development in a case that has drawn scrutiny over law enforcement conduct and the handling of evidence.
According to the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office, ICE agent Christian Castro, 52, was taken into custody in Texas following a nationwide arrest warrant. Investigators from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension reportedly located Castro, and he was arrested with assistance from Texas Rangers and agents from the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General.
Prosecutors have charged Castro with four counts of second-degree assault and one count of falsely reporting a crime in connection with the January shooting of Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis in north Minneapolis during Operation Metro Surge, a federal immigration enforcement initiative. Authorities allege Castro fired through the front door of a residence, striking Sosa-Celis in the leg while multiple people, including children, were inside.
The Operation Metro Surge investigation has attracted attention because prosecutors say surveillance footage and audio evidence contradict earlier claims that agents acted in self-defense after being attacked. Initial allegations against Sosa-Celis and another man were later dismissed after federal authorities acknowledged inaccuracies in earlier accounts.
Officials involved in the Hennepin County prosecution argue that federal law enforcement officers are subject to state criminal laws when alleged crimes occur within Minnesota. Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty described the arrest as an important step toward accountability, while Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison stated that no individual is above the law.
The Department of Homeland Security has criticized the prosecution, calling it politically motivated, and disputes remain over whether the matter should be handled through state or federal channels. Federal authorities are also reportedly reviewing whether false statements were made during the original investigation.
Legal experts note that immigration enforcement controversy cases involving state charges against federal agents are relatively uncommon and can raise complex jurisdictional questions. However, they emphasize that the criminal allegations remain unproven until tested in court.
The ICE agent arrested in Texas Minneapolis shooting case is expected to face extradition proceedings before returning to Minnesota for further hearings. Investigations remain ongoing, and additional developments could emerge as prosecutors and defense attorneys prepare for court proceedings.
